Southern District of West Virginia

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Lashmeet man was sentenced to federal prison for a sex crime against a minor, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Kevin Laxton, 29, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for travel in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Following his release from prison, Laxton will be required to serve 15 years of supervised release and will have to register as a sex offender.

“Horrific,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Crimes against children are the other pandemic. My prosecutors and our federal, state and local investigators are working tirelessly to protect West Virginia’s children from predators like Laxton. My office will prosecute child predators to the fullest extent of the law.”

Laxton previously admitted that on September 14, 2019, he began communicating via text messages with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl located in Lewisburg. Despite knowing her age, Laxton discussed meeting the minor to engage in sexual intercourse. On November 1, 2019, Laxton drove through Virginia to meet the purported minor at an arranged meeting location in Lewisburg in order to engage in sexual intercourse.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the West Virginia State Police, conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Keith Saunders, 33, was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

“Great work by the Parkersburg Police Department and the ATF. Our communities are safer with one less drug dealer on the streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Saunders admitted that on two separate occasions in 2017, he met with confidential informants working with the Parkersburg Police Department and sold the informants methamphetamine. Saunders also had attempted to sell a firearm to the confidential informant, but was unable to complete the transaction. On October 29, 2019, Saunders admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant again working with the Parkersburg Police Department. On October 30, 2019, a state search warrant was executed at Saunders’ home where ammunition in addition to several digital scales were located. Saunders admitted to being addicted to methamphetamine for several years and told investigators that he sold approximately half a pound of methamphetamine a week in order to support his drug addiction. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two felons appeared in federal court this week on gun charges, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Deandre Donte Coleman, 28, of Nitro, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Coleman’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, and he also surrendered to law enforcement authorities any ownership interest that he may have had in the firearm involved in this offense. Coleman previously admitted that on September 2, 2019, he was riding as the front passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement officers along MacCorkle Avenue in Jefferson. Officers discovered during the course of this traffic stop that Coleman was in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol along with 11.4 grams of methamphetamine and 8.5 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. Coleman admitted that he was in possession of the firearm, that he intended to sell the controlled substances found in his possession, and that he knew at the time he possessed the pistol that he had been previously convicted of the felony offense of distribution of cocaine base in the United States District Court in Charleston. The St. Albans Police Department and the Nitro Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe handled the prosecution.

Matthew Thacker, 39, of Huntington, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On November 14, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at Thacker’s residence at 315 Oak Street in Huntington. Officers located two firearms in the home. Thacker told officers he knew he could not legally possess the firearms. Thacker was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction for the felony offenses of aggravated battery and aggravated assault in Pinellas County, Florida. Thacker faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 28, 2020. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

#

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Julie M. Wheeler, 43, of Beckley, was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to 42 months in federal prison for federal health care fraud, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  After serving her prison sentence, she will be placed on supervised release for three years.  She was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $289,055.07, an amount calculated by the Veterans Administration (VA) and approved by the court.

In imposing a sentencing enhancement for obstruction, Judge Copenhaver found that Wheeler attempted to obstruct and impede the administration of justice by staging an “elaborate hoax” to fake her own death to avoid federal sentencing.  On May 31, 2020, Wheeler and other family members staged her fall from the Grandview State Park overlook.  Wheeler’s family members then falsely reported to law enforcement her fall off of Grandview Ledges at the New River Gorge.  This report led to an extensive search effort in the New River Gorge by state, federal and local authorities, assisted by numerous volunteers. The West Virginia State Police eventually located Wheeler at her own home, hiding in a closet. Wheeler and her husband are presently charged in Raleigh County Magistrate Court for numerous felony and misdemeanor offenses relating to the false reporting of an emergency. The court found that this scheme contributed to Wheeler’s failure to accept responsibility for her criminal conduct and enhanced her federal sentence accordingly.

“Absolutely despicable. Wheeler’s egregious fraud scheme denied much needed spina bifida care for her own sister while she fleeced the Veteran’s Administration of almost $300,000,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Then she faked her own disappearance to evade sentencing, risking the lives and resources of first responders and emergency personnel. Outrageous. Terribly tragic case all around.”

Wheeler pled guilty on February 11, 2020, and admitted that she submitted fraudulent applications to the VA Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program where she overbilled for providing spina bifida care for a family member, K.L. Wheeler was the owner of a homecare services company, JRW Homecare Support Services. Wheeler was hired to provide services to K.L. due to K.L.’s spina bifida condition at the VA approved rate of $736 a day to provide eight hours of daily services. Wheeler’s care was supposed to include bathing, grooming, changing K.L.’s clothes and other issues associated with K.L.’s hygiene, food intake and lifestyle.   

Wheeler did not provide K.L. the care for and during the time period described.  Wheeler submitted claims to the VA stating that she provided care for K.L. eight hours a day, seven days a week, from October 2016 to April 2018 at the full daily rate of $736 a day. Wheeler gave a statement to the VA and the FBI admitting that she greatly inflated the rate and quality of the care that she provided to K.L. This was corroborated by other witnesses who provided statements that Wheeler did not provide eight hours of daily care. Wheeler further admitted that her conduct defrauded the VA of hundreds of thousands of dollars and deprived the victim of services.  The victim of the spina bifida diagnosis,  K.L., has since passed away.

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.

Stuart praised the work of the Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the United States Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the investigation of the underlying fraud, and the National Park Service and the West Virginia State Police for their work in locating Wheeler.

The fraud investigation was conducted by members of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST), an innovative approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and healthcare fraud. United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the formation of ARREST in February 2019. All health care related cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, whether they are the subject of criminal or civil investigation or enforcement, are directed through ARREST. Included within the purview of the team are the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, and Asset Forfeiture efforts related to all healthcare matters.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a Wood County man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Joshua Michael Conger, 41, of Parkersburg, also will serve five years on supervised release.

“Conger was given a second chance when state court gave him parole. But what did he do? He went right back to drugs and guns. Not this time - there’s no parole in the federal system,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Conger pled guilty in January 2020 admitting that he possessed 388 grams of methamphetamine and two handguns in his vehicle when it was parked at his Gihon Road residence. Conger had previously been convicted in Wood County Circuit Court of operating a methamphetamine laboratory in 2012 and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2016.  He was on parole at the time of his arrest in June 2018. 

The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Southfield, Michigan man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Donta Cole, 24, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

“Another out-of-state drug dealer nabbed in Huntington stands convicted for peddling deadly poisons,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Our efforts in Huntington are unprecedented. The streets are safer. Our families are safer. And Huntington is able to focus on growing its economy rather than dedicating critical, limited resources to stopping drug dealers and violent offenders. Our team and our focus is making a big difference.” 

Cole admitted that on April 26, 2019, he was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by the West Virginia State Police.  The officer found approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine hidden in Cole’s groin area.  Cole admitted that he intended to sell the crack cocaine.

Cole faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 28, 2020.

The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man has pled guilty to drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Johnny Ray Francis III, 19, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

“Through Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge and other law enforcement actions, we have prosecuted a historic number of opioid dealers in and around Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We won’t stop until the day the last drug dealer and poison peddler are out of town or in prison.”

Francis admitted that on June 12, 2019, in a residence at 1281 26th St. in Huntington, he possessed a plastic baggie containing suspected heroin and a Glock 23 .40 caliber/9mm pistol.  After forensic testing, the substance possessed by Francis was determined to be approximately eight grams of heroin. Francis admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin he possessed, and that he possessed the firearm for the purpose of protecting himself and the heroin he possessed.

Francis faces a minimum mandatory five years in prison with a maximum of 40 years when sentenced on September 28, 2020.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas. 

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston doctor who practiced at Neurology & Pain Center, PLLC was sentenced to prison for illegal distribution of controlled substances that were not for legitimate medical purposes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Muhammed Samer Nasher-Alneam, 48, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for writing prescriptions in July 2014 for methadone pills that were not within the bounds of professional medical practice or for legitimate medical purposes. Nasher also will be on supervised release following his incarceration for a period of three years. As a result of this conviction, Nasher agreed to permanently surrender both his medical license and DEA registration. He further agreed to never seek reinstatement of a license to practice as a medical doctor in any other state. As part of his plea agreement, Nasher agreed to forfeit $149,480.75 and an Acura RDX Sport Utility Vehicle.

“As I’ve said before, a drug dealer in a lab coat is still just a drug dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This drug dealer will not only be losing his freedom for more than five years, he is losing his medical license- FOREVER. Nasher will never practice medicine again – not in West Virginia or any other state.”

Nasher has been in custody since his arrest on July 27, 2018.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Insurance Commission conducted the investigation.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorneys Alan McGonigal, Jennifer Herrald and Steve Loew, and former Assistant United States Attorneys C. Haley Bunn and Meredith Thomas handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted by the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit (OFADU), a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributors to the national opioid crisis. The Southern District of West Virginia is one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the pilot program. OFADU is an integral part of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST), an innovative approach utilizing criminal and civil enforcement efforts in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and healthcare fraud. This case was also part of the Appalachian Regional Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force which is made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the ten U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the region, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. 

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###
 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man has pled guilty to a federal drug charge,  announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Robert Lamar Bates-Porter, 33, of Columbus, Ohio, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

“After serving five years in prison for his previous federal conviction, Bates-Porter didn’t even wait for his term of supervised release to end before picking up where he left off as a drug dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Now he will be returning to federal prison where I hope he sets his sights on a different line of work upon release.”

During the late summer of 2019, the Washington County, Ohio Major Crimes Task Force (MCTF) was investigating a drug trafficking organization that was bringing fentanyl and heroin from Columbus, Ohio to be distributed in and around Marietta, Ohio and Parkersburg, West Virginia. MCTF joined forces with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force (PNTF) to investigate the organization. Investigators identified Bates-Porter as a key member of the organization. In September 2019, Bates-Porter ordered a package of drugs to be delivered to a residence on Roselynne Avenue in Parkersburg. The package was delivered on September 12, 2019.  Bates-Porter drove from Columbus to Parkersburg and arrived at Roselynne Avenue after midnight on September 13, 2019. Shortly thereafter, PNTF personnel executed a search warrant at the residence where they found Bates-Porter in the basement preparing to open the drug package. Officers seized the package which contained a kilogram of fentanyl. Later the same day, police in Columbus, Ohio executed a search warrant at Bates-Porter’s residence where they seized approximately 260 grams of heroin, 94 grams of cocaine, and a small quantity of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. 

At the time of his arrest, Bates-Porter was on federal supervised release for a 2014 conviction in the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. At the plea hearing, he admitted that he took possession of the package and intended to distribute the drugs inside which he claimed to believe was heroin.   

In addition to facing 10 years to life in prison for the fentanyl charge, Bates-Porter also faces up to five years for violating the terms of his supervised release when he is sentenced on September 23, 2020.

The Washington County Major Crimes Task Force, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Deangelo Reeves, 34, was sentenced to nine years in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

“Another drug dealer from Akron. Why am I not surprised?  Coming to Charleston to sell heroin – bad move. Throwing his drugs out the window – again, a bad move,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Reeves is another Akron heroin dealer going to federal prison via the Southern District of West Virginia. Reeves now has nine years to think about how he can become a productive member of society.”

Reeves previously admitted that on March 5, 2018, he was driving a car on McKee Avenue in Charleston and threw a bag of heroin out of the driver’s side window of the car. Reeves admitted that he possessed the bag of heroin and intended to distribute it. The bag Reeves threw out of the car window was recovered by law enforcement and confirmed to be heroin with a weight of 11.96 grams.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie Eldred, 45, previously admitted that she was part of a drug trafficking ring operating in and around Parkersburg between February and October 2018. At her plea hearing, Eldred stated that she distributed more than 200 grams of methamphetamine that had been supplied by co-defendant Terrence McGuirk. 

“Eldred is one of 16 defendants convicted by my office as a result of Project Parkersburg,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “When we took this multi-state network of drug traffickers down, it was a huge win for the City of Parkersburg. An historic quantity of meth, as well as significant amounts of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine were seized. There is no doubt that the collaborative efforts of law enforcement saved lives.”

Eldred is being prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force.  The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court and the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin, and 478 grams of fentanyl.

Of the defendants charged in federal court, Todd Land, Jeffrey Hoyler, Nicholas Easton, T.J. Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Marshall Polan, and Troy Pastorino have been sentenced. Amanda Atkinson, Aurelius Edmonds, Michael Holley, Terrence McGuirk, Michael Rhodes and Antoine Terry await sentencing later this year. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jeremy Wolfe are handling the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pled guilty today to federal charges related to the trafficking of methamphetamine and the possession of a firearm while involved in drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Daniel Canty, 60, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

“A gun-toting meth dealer with six prior felony convictions,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Bad actors like Canty endanger our communities and that’s why we are laser-focused on making sure the traffickers and the wrong-doers are caught and prosecuted.”

Canty admitted that on November 30, 2019, following a traffic stop by members of the Parkersburg Police Department on Plum Street near Jefferson Elementary School in Parkersburg, he was found to be in possession of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine as well as a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number and a box of .25 caliber ammunition. Canty further admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine that he possessed, and that he possessed the firearm for the purpose of protecting himself and the methamphetamine that he was carrying. Canty has a long criminal history, which includes six prior felony convictions.        

Canty faces up to life in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020.

The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

West Virginia State Police Awarded $1 Million Anti-Methamphetamine Program Grant

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Police has been awarded a $1 million grant to combat methamphetamine trafficking, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  The Justice Department’s  Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) earlier today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids. 

In the Southern District of West Virginia, the West Virginia State Police will receive $1 million through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP). The West Virginia State Police is one of 12 state law enforcement agencies to receive the support. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures.  State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.

“West Virginia communities are being inundated by meth. My office works closely with the West Virginia State Police and our drug and violent crime task forces throughout the district to stop the manufacturing and distribution of meth in West Virginia. Together, we have taken down major meth trafficking organizations and seized massive quantities of meth before it hit the streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The funding awarded today by the COPS Office will greatly enhance our efforts to stem the tide against this devastating drug.”

“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”

Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States.  Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid.  More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.

The COPS Office also is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF).  AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids.  This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men appeared in federal court today for child pornography crimes, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“Egregious and despicable crimes.  I have absolutely no tolerance for child predators. Zero,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “There is no greater priority for me than protecting our children.”

Jeremiah Taylor, 32, of Huntington, pled guilty to distribution of child pornography. He admitted that in January 2019, he utilized the mobile messaging application Kik to send several graphic videos of child pornography to an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. These videos depicted nude prepubescent children engaged in sexual conduct, including sadistic or masochistic conduct. Taylor also admitted that he asked the undercover agent for photos of the agent’s 9-year-old daughter naked in sexually-explicit poses. On Kik, Taylor was an active member of a group focused on taboo interests, wherein users frequently shared images and videos of child pornography. Taylor’s Kik username was “58ThatDude58” – 58 is the number Taylor wore while playing football for Marshall University from 2010 to 2013. He faces at least five years and up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 28, 2020 in Huntington. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.

Michael Reece Johnson, Jr., 50, of Arkansas, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography while in Raleigh County. Following release from prison, Johnson will be placed on a 10-year term of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. Johnson previously admitted that on August 15, 2019, he picked up a 13-year-old female from her residence in Kentucky after communicating with her via Facebook. After picking up the minor, he traveled with her from Kentucky to Beckley. During the travel and in Beckley Johnson engaged in sexual activity with the minor. He also possessed several images of child pornography depicting the minor. Johnson also took a sexually explicit photograph of the minor using his cellphone. The United States Secret Service, the Shepherdsville (KY) Police Department, the Homeland Security Investigations and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man has pled guilty to a drug crime,  announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jason Chinn, 43, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. He faces between five and 40 years in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020.  

“370 grams of heroin. When we get dealers like Chinn off the street, our streets and our kids are safer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’ve done remarkable work with remarkable results in Huntington and we will continue ridding our streets of drug dealers and their poisons.”

Chinn admitted that on May 8, 2018, officers executed a search warrant on his residence at 3001 5th Avenue in Huntington. Officers recovered 370 grams of heroin. Chinn admitted that he planned on selling the heroin.

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is handling the prosecution.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit men were sentenced today for drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Rudolph Jackson, 42, was sentenced to 71 months in prison. Rudy Jackson, 22, was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Rudolph Jackson previously pled guilty to a five count indictment which charged him with selling heroin and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Rudy Jackson previously pled guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

“There is definitely a pattern. Detroit. Drug dealer. Victimizing the good people of West Virginia. We have had enough of out-of-state drug dealers coming to our great state and poisoning our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Make no mistake, if you come to West Virginia with drugs, when we catch up to you - and we will - we are going to do our best to allow you to stay at the federal ‘inn’ and, trust me, there is no turn down service or a chocolate on the pillow.”

Rudolph Jackson previously admitted that on four separate occasions he sold heroin to a confidential informant in Huntington. Both men also admitted that on August 22, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at 702 Washington Avenue, Apartment 7 in Huntington. Officers found distribution quantities of methamphetamine and heroin inside the apartment. Both men admitted that they intended to aid other individuals in selling the methamphetamine and heroin. 

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON,  W.Va. -- Defendants in seven separate Project Guardian cases appeared in federal court this week, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Kevin Lee Ramsey, 30, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ramsey admitted that he possessed a loaded Heckler & Koch 9mm compact semi-automatic pistol within a vehicle in which he was riding as a passenger on August 15, 2019.  On that date, the vehicle was stopped by officers with the Parkersburg Police Department near the intersection of 7th Street and Swann Street in the city of Parkersburg.  Pursuant to that traffic stop, officers searched the vehicle and discovered the firearm in the glove box directly in front of where Ramsey was seated. At the time that Ramsey possessed this firearm, he knew that he had been previously convicted of the offense of delivery of heroin in Wood County Circuit Court in July of 2015, and was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on September 9, 2020 in Charleston. The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

Anthony Smith, 44, of Wayne County, was sentenced to 33 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He previously admitted that on April 8, 2019, troopers with the West Virginia State Police searched his vehicle in the parking lot of the Speedway gas station on 5th Street Road in Huntington. Troopers located a loaded sawed off shotgun in the vehicle. Smith admitted the gun was his. Smith was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2005 conviction for the felony offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Davidson County, Tennessee. The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case.

Ricky Nelson, 32, of Logan County, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nelson previously admitted that on April 30, 2018, he possessed a RG Model 23, .22 in Boone County. While in his possession, the gun fired, shooting another person. His possession of the firearm was illegal due to his having been convicted in the Circuit Court of Logan County for robbery in the first degree. The Boone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Arthur handled the prosecution.

David Walker, Jr., 45, of Huntington, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Walker previously admitted that while on parole, he possessed two firearms. He is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was convicted in 2018 of the felony offense of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances in Cabell County. The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Division of Corrections Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

Jonathan Felts, 31, of Greenbrier County, was sentenced to 50 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Felts previously admitted that on August 16, 2018, he was a passenger in a motor vehicle driving on Route 20 in Summers County. The vehicle was stopped because the registration plates were not visible. The deputy sheriff smelled burned marijuana coming from the vehicle. The deputy had each occupant exit the vehicle. In Felts’ backpack, deputies located a Springfield Armory XDS, .40 caliber six round magazine, numerous empty baggies used in the distribution of controlled substances, a blue digital scale, and approximately three grams of a white crystal substance. Upon further search of the vehicle, deputies located a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol under the passenger seat and a Springfield Armory XDS, .40 caliber pistol stuffed underneath the cushion of the back seat. The Springfield Armory XDS, .40 caliber six round magazine that was located in a lock box found in Felts’ red backpack fit the Springfield Armory XDS, .40 caliber pistol. Felts’ prior felony convictions included delivery of oxymorphone and burglary in Greenbrier County. The Summers County Sheriff’s Department, the Summers County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott handled the prosecution.

David Moore, 40, of Beckley, was sentenced to 46 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Moore previously admitted that on April 1, 2017, a Raleigh County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled him over near the Beckley bypass. At the time of the stop, the officer saw a firearm in the back seat area of Moore’s car. Moore admitted to the deputy that he possessed the Sig Sauer P522, .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm found in the car. Moore further admitted that he knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm because he had been convicted of a felony in 2003 in Raleigh County Circuit Court for delivery of a controlled substance. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence.

Richard Spinks, 40, of Richwood, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a term of three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spinks previously admitted that he was in possession of a firearm on June 22, 2019, despite his knowledge that he was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms due to a 2010 felony conviction in Nicholas County Circuit Court for forgery. Spinks was witnessed carrying a Savage .22 caliber rifle into the home of another individual in Richwood by a sergeant with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department. When officers arrived at the residence to investigate, they encountered Spinks and two other individuals, who both gave statements indicating that Spinks carried the weapon into the residence. The firearm was seized, and Spinks was then placed under arrest. The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Tessman handled the prosecution.

The cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cedar Grove man was sentenced to prison for a federal child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Benjamin Franklin Thomas, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography. He also is required to register as a sex offender and to complete 15 years of federal supervised release. The federal prison sentence will run consecutive to a three to 30-year state sentence that Thomas currently is serving for breaking and entering into Cedar Grove Elementary School and Ward Church of God.

“Reprehensible,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Child porn is a disgusting offense that, sadly, is a frequent crime prosecuted by my office. My highest priority is protecting our kids.  These crimes are some of the most troubling crimes committed in society. I commend the very important work done by the law enforcement agencies that investigate these crimes.”

Thomas previously admitted that he used his smartphone to search for images of child pornography on the internet, download the images, and save them to his Google Photos while residing in Cedar Grove in Kanawha County. Images possessed by Thomas in his collection of child pornography included prepubescent minors and images depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual exploitation of very young children.

The South Charleston Police Department, the Cedar Grove Police Department, the United States Secret Service and the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pled guilty to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Gary Jerome Johnson, also known as Sosa, 29, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug death in West Virginia. It is a devastating drug that has devastated too many of our families,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Out-of-state drug dealers have caused enough harm in West Virginia. This is another out of state drug dealer headed to prison.”

Johnson admitted that on May 2, 2019, he was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over for a traffic stop in Huntington. After learning that Johnson was wanted out of Michigan for absconding from parole, he was placed under arrest and taken to the West Virginia State Police detachment in Huntington for processing. A Trooper found approximately 16 grams of fentanyl in his cruiser. Johnson admitted he intended to sell the controlled substance.

Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020.

Operation Free Market was a long-term drug investigation in the Huntington area. The investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West. It was part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.  

The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Darrell Gossett, 34, was sentenced to 70 months in prison and four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“Hundreds of grams of illicit drugs and another out-of-state drug dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The drugs and the out-of-state drug dealer are now off our streets and the dealer is headed to federal prison for many years. The people of West Virginia are surely safer as a result of cases like this.”

Gossett previously admitted that on November 6, 2019, he possessed more than 250 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside his vehicle. Investigators were approaching 2403 Whitman Creek Road in Whitman to investigate possible drug activity when Gossett quickly backed out of the location, striking a police cruiser. A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the seizure of the methamphetamine. Gossett admitted that he planned on selling the methamphetamine.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Pontiac, Michigan man was sentenced to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release for selling methamphetamine,  announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Milik Robinson, 23, previously admitted that on August 19, 2019 he sold an ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant behind a residence located at 915 Washington Avenue in Huntington.

“It’s a constant theme - out of state drug dealer in West Virginia selling drugs to our good people, causing havoc and pain, and, too often, worse,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “There is another constant theme - out of state drug dealer arrested in the Southern District of West Virginia and headed to federal prison.”

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington woman was sentenced in federal court for selling heroin, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Amanda Layne, 41, was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Layne previously admitted that on August 30, 2018, she sold 10 grams of heroin to a confidential informant at 106 Lawson Avenue in Huntington. As part of her plea agreement, Layne also admitted that officers found 114 grams of heroin in her home and that she intended to sell the heroin in exchange for money.

“We mean business in Huntington and everywhere else in the Southern District of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are getting the drugs off the street - in this case more than 100 grams of heroin - and putting the poison peddlers and pushers behind bars.”

The West Virginia State Police, the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force West and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman caught with drugs in 2015 was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kaley Elizabeth Bowen, 29, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base and marijuana.

“In these times, we encourage and support businesses as they do all they can to survive, but not this type of business. Ms. Bowen’s business was dealing drugs out of her apartment- heroin, cocaine base and marijuana. Fortunately,  this business is ‘Closed’ and the drugs never hit the street,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Bowen admitted that on November 21, 2015, Huntington police officers came to her residence located at 1441 7th Avenue, Apartment 5, in response to a reported domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they found Bowen in the residence and observed multiple items consistent with drug distribution. Officers secured a search warrant for Bowen’s residence and during the search, officers seized approximately 300 grams of heroin, 27 grams of cocaine base, and 155 grams of marijuana. Bowen admitted that she intended to sell the drugs.   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a federal drug conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tevin Robinson, 26, previously admitted that in April 2017 he came to Huntington with the intent to distribute oxycodone and Xanax.  Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in which Robinson was a passenger on Interstate 64. Officers located more than 200 oxycodone pills and 53 Xanax pills. 

“Far too many Detroit drug dealers have flooded Huntington and Charleston with opioids and other addictive and dangerous drugs.  I have been laser focused on holding out of state drug peddlers accountable for the harm they have caused in our communities.” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said.

The investigation was conducted by the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man has pled guilty to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Clay Dempsey, 37, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.

“Our cities and towns have had enough of drug peddlers and the mules they get to transport their poison,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “My office has successfully and aggressively cleaned up many of our streets from drugs and every day we are making West Virginia a safer place to live.”

Dempsey admitted on January 27, 2020, at co-defendant Troskey Banks’ direction, he drove to Cleveland, Ohio and met with an individual. That individual then directed him to a location where a maroon minivan was parked.  Dempsey switched the van he drove to Cleveland and drove the maroon minivan back to South Charleston. Banks directed him to park the minivan at a specific address in South Charleston. Dempsey parked the van at the location directed by Banks with the intent to come back later and meet with Banks to allow him to get inside the van and retrieve the controlled substances stored inside. Dempsey admitted that he knew that the purpose of his trip was to bring back controlled substances for Banks to distribute. Officers with the South Charleston Police Department later searched the van and recovered a bag of suspected fentanyl weighing approximately 105.2 grams, which field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl and a bag of suspected methamphetamine weighing 118.7 grams, which field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.

Dempsey faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 28, 2020.  Banks is scheduled for trial on July 27, 2020.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman and third-year law student intern Richard McCutcheon handled today’s plea hearing.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pled guilty today for his participation in a drug trafficking operation in Raleigh County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Oyontikeyta Jones, 41, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Jones was one of 17 defendants charged in federal court as a result of a long-term investigation known as Operation Shutdown Corner. 

“When we get gun toting drug dealers like Jones off of our streets, it is a big win for West Virginia communities,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “I commend the work of all the agencies that helped bring the members of this particular drug trafficking organization to justice.”

At the plea hearing it was established that between June 2018 and September 17, 2019, Jones worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine in Raleigh County. During this time period, Jones had methamphetamine shipped from California to the Southern District of West Virginia. This was accomplished by having packages delivered to other members of the DTO. Jones or others would then give directions on where the drugs should be delivered. More specifically, on August 9, 2019, a package from California was delivered to a residence in Bluefield. Jones directed the recipient of that package to bring the package to Raleigh County, and meet him at a specified location. After Jones was picked up by the other member, a traffic stop was made in Beckley on the car that Jones was a passenger. When the officer approached the car, Jones fled on foot but was later apprehended at a nearby business. During a search of the car, officers found the package that had just been shipped from California. The package contained approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. 

Additionally, during the hearing, it was established that on August 6, 2019, officers with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department approached Jones while he was stopped on the side of the road. At this time, officers found a Glock, model 26, 9mm semi-automatic pistol. It also was established that earlier that same day, Jones was observed on video surveillance possessing that same firearm. Jones knew that he was prohibited from possessing any firearm due to being convicted of another felony offense in California. The United States was able to establish that the firearm was operable and traveled in and affected interstate commerce.

Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the Beckley Police Department and the West Virginia State Police. 

Jones faces a mandatory minimum period of 10 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million when he is sentenced on October 2, 2020.  

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Frank W. Volk.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national who was in the United States illegally has pled guilty to possessing .40 caliber ammunition, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Juan Martin Sotelo-Rodriguez, 26, pled guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition in federal court in Huntington.

“Entered our great nation illegally and violated federal firearm laws - both bad,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “I enforce and will continue to vigorously enforce the nation’s immigration laws and federal gun laws. This is a matter of public safety and my team will do all it can to ensure the safety of our citizens.” 

On October 25, 2019, Sotelo-Rodriguez was operating a car on Beechwood Drive in Huntington when he was stopped by a patrol officer with the Huntington Police Department. During the stop, Sotelo-Rodriguez was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for driving under the influence. Officers then located and seized multiple rounds of .40 caliber ammunition laying in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Sotelo-Rodriguez admitted that he possessed the ammunition. Sotelo-Rodriguez also admitted that he was a citizen of Mexico and not a citizen or national of the United States, that he was illegally and unlawfully present in the United States, and therefore, was prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Sotelo-Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on September 21, 2020. Pursuant to his plea agreement, he also will be subject to removal proceedings.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

HUNTINGTON W.Va. – A Huntington man has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stewart Longworth Jordan, III, 27, previously pled guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine after postal inspectors seized a large quantity of methamphetamine in the mail in 2018.

“Mr. Jordon was peddling in the very poisons that have deeply harmed our communities and our families,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We stopped him before he was able to distribute that poison in Huntington and beyond.  Law enforcement okayed a critical role in protecting our community and families from more damage.”

On November 9, 2018, an inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service located a package in the Huntington Post Office which had been mailed from Nevada and which was found to contain over two pounds of methamphetamine. Inspectors subsequently delivered the package to a residence in Huntington and Jordan arrived at the residence to collect the package. Jordan was arrested and admitted in court that he intended to sell the methamphetamine. 

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police and Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County woman pled guilty to a wire fraud charge today, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Cathy Byers, 44, of Renick, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud. Byers faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 2, 2020.

“Ms. Byers betrayed the trust given to her by using the union’s bank account as her own to pay personal expenses. The union members’ hard earned money was her personal piggy bank,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We prosecute cases like this to hold fraudsters accountable, protect the victims, and to seek restitution.”

Byers used her position as the treasurer of a local union to defraud the union of approximately $22,000 by using the union’s bank card to make numerous purchases of personal items.

The Department of Labor, through its Office of Inspector General and Office of Labor Management Standards, conducted the investigation. United States District Court Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who participated in a conspiracy which saw large quantities of heroin transported from Akron, Ohio and distributed in the Southern District of West Virginia pled guilty today in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Weston Dallas McDaniels, 34, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

“Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are working together like never before to dismantle multi-state drug trafficking networks funneling large quantities of deadly drugs into our communities,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “We are holding these pushers, peddlers and traffickers accountable for the tragic addiction and chaos they cause in our communities.”

McDaniels admitted that during the month of September 2019, he participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute heroin in the Charleston area. During the conspiracy, McDaniels was directed to a source of supply for heroin in Akron, Ohio. McDaniels and the source met in Akron on multiple occasions where the source provided McDaniels with heroin. McDaniels then transported the heroin to the Southern District of West Virginia where it was sold. On September 13, 2019, McDaniels acquired an additional amount of heroin from the source in Akron and was subsequently stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. A trooper located and seized the heroin and McDaniels admitted that he was transporting the heroin to West Virginia. A chemist later determined that the heroin also contained fentanyl and weighed in excess of 300 grams. 

McDaniels faces five to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 21, 2020.

This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart announced that three new Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) have joined his team -- Ryan Blackwell, Courtney Cremeans and Nick Miller. The AUSAs took the Oath of Office before Senior United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr. today. 

“From right here in Almost Heaven West Virginia to the hills of Tennessee to the surf and sun of southern California, we are building and restocking the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia with a remarkable team of talent from across the nation,” U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart said.  “These new prosecutors have hit the ground running. We are excited that each of them has joined our team.”

Blackwell is a graduate of the Cumberland School of Law and East Tennessee State University. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he was a prosecutor in the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Hawkins County, Tennessee.

Cremeans is a graduate of New York Law School and West Virginia University. She was previously an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Miller is a graduate of the University of San Francisco School of Law and its undergraduate school. For the past nine years, he was a Deputy District Attorney in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in California.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- One man was sentenced and another man pled guilty this week to being felons in possession of a firearm, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Ronald Lucas, 36, of Craigsville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison. He previously admitted that on May 10, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department were serving an arrest warrant at his home in Craigsville for a separate offense. Lucas answered the door wearing an empty nylon holster. When the officers asked where the gun was located, he indicated that it was inside the residence on a bed. When an officer went inside the residence to secure it, a loaded 9 millimeter pistol with a filed off serial number was located and seized. The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Tessman handled the prosecution.

Akeem R. Dickerson, 28, of Princeton, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after admitting that on August 31, 2019, an officer with the Princeton Police Department pulled him over for not wearing his seatbelt while he was driving. During the traffic stop, the officer smelled marijuana. When asked about the marijuana smell, Dickerson admitted that he did in fact have some marijuana in the car and he also admitted that he had a gun. The officer then searched the car with Dickerson’s consent. The officer found a Springfield, model XDS, .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Dickerson admitted that he knew he was not supposed to possess any firearms because he was a convicted felon. Dickerson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because he was previously convicted in 2012 in McDowell County Circuit Court of the felony offenses of voluntary manslaughter and wanton endangerment with a firearm. Dickerson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine, to be followed by up to three years of supervised release when he is sentenced on September 14, 2020. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners listed above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man was sentenced to federal prison for a child pornography offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Christopher Charles Hirst, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for receipt of child pornography. Following his release from prison, Hirst will serve a term of 20 years on supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

“Predators like Hirst are a parent’s worst nightmare,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “My team and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are committed to protecting West Virginia’s children. We will bring the full force of the law against child sex offenders.”

Hirst previously admitted that beginning in approximately August 2018 he began a relationship with a 14-year-old girl from Putnam County. During the course of that relationship, Hirst repeatedly asked the minor to send him sexually explicit photographs via the Snapchat app. When the minor ultimately sent the images, Hirst preserved those images without the minor’s knowledge. Hirst also admitted to taking several sexually explicit images of the minor in person, including one depicting them engaged in a sexual act. 

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

Defendant fraudulently obtained over $150,000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Edward Stephen entered a guilty plea for federal health care fraud, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Stephen, 61, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, faces up to 10 years of incarceration, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release when he is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2020.  He also will be subject to an order of restitution for $151,660.53, with the final determination to be made by the court at sentencing.

“For 12 years Mr. Stephen lied to get federal health insurance for ineligible family members,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “Let this be a clear message, if you are cheating the system we will find you.”

Stephen was a federal employee with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. As a federal employee, he was eligible for health insurance provided by the federal government. Stephen fraudulently enrolled extended family members into his federal  health care plan knowing they were not eligible for federal health care benefits. Specifically, Stephen enrolled his sister as though she was his wife and his niece as though she was his stepchild so that they would obtain federal health care coverage they were not entitled to receive. This scheme lasted from 2005 to 2017 and included several years where Stephen resided in and worked in Charleston, West Virginia as a federal employee. When investigators learned of the fraud, Stephen gave a statement to investigators with Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, in which he admitted that he fraudulently placed his extended family members on his federal insurance knowing they were not entitled to receive benefits. In total, the health insurance company was defrauded out of $151,660.53 in fraudulent premium payments and reimbursements.

Stuart praised the work of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General. The investigation was conducted by members of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST), an approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and healthcare fraud. United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the formation of ARREST in February 2019. All health care related cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, whether they are the subject of criminal or civil investigation or enforcement, are directed through ARREST. Included within the purview of the team are the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, and asset forfeiture efforts related to all health care matters.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former high school Spanish teacher from Huntington, West Virginia pled guilty to traveling across state lines to have sex with one of her students, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Amy Adkins, 30, pled guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and distribution of Adderall.

“No teacher should ever behave this way. This isn’t what we expect when a high school student signs up to learn Spanish. Teachers should be role models, not models of despicable behavior. Adkins was supposed to be teaching Spanish – not providing drugs and engaging in sex with them,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “Protecting children is a priority in my office and we will prosecute anyone putting them in harm’s way.”

Adkins admitted that while she was a Spanish teacher at Fairland High School in Proctorville, Ohio during the 2017 to 2018 academic year, she communicated frequently with one of her young male students on social media. This student was under 16 years old at the time. On April 7, 2018, Adkins admits that she drove from her home in Huntington, to Ohio, where she picked up this underage student, and brought him back to Huntington with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with the student. Ultimately, Adkins had sex with the victim that day at her home in Huntington.

In addition to traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, Adkins also admitted that from September 2017 to May 2018 she frequently sold a portion of her Adderall prescription to her friends and acquaintances. Specifically, Adkins admitted that she sold one close friend five pills of Adderall on March 9, 2018. Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Adkins faces up to eight years in prison when sentenced on September 8, 2020 in Huntington.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Lawrence County, Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Lawrence Moles II, 36, was sentenced to 130 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

“Drugs and guns…what a dangerous combination and a dangerous situation for the people of West Virginia,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “Charleston is safer having this man in prison.”

Moles previously admitted that on December 14, 2018, detectives with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered a Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol in his bedroom, as well as 102 grams of methamphetamine, a Springfield, model XD-45, .45 caliber pistol, and a Bryco, model Jennings Nine, 9mm caliber pistol from a safe in his kitchen. The safe also contained digital scales and alleged drug packaging. Moles admitted the methamphetamine was possessed to be distributed and he received a sentencing enhancement because he was using his residence to store the methamphetamine. Moles had previously been convicted on January 20, 2017, in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County for receiving a stolen vehicle.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Saunders and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON W.Va. – A Charleston man who participated in a conspiracy that involved large quantities of methamphetamine which were transported from Akron, Ohio and sold in West Virginia was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Bruce David Angeli, 58, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

“Another drug dealer is off the streets,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “I commend the collaborative, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement effort that brought an end to this meth trafficking conspiracy.” 

Angeli admitted that between May and June of 2019, he participated with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. During the conspiracy, Angeli frequently obtained quantities of methamphetamine which were transported by other co-conspirators from Akron, Ohio to be sold in multiple cities in West Virginia including Huntington and Charleston. Once Angeli was supplied with the methamphetamine, he would distribute it to other individuals in various amounts. As part of his plea agreement, Angeli admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 200 grams of methamphetamine.   

This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department, and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two out-of-state men were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Alonzo Wayne Clay, Jr., 31, of Austin, Texas, and Demaurea Davis, 23, of Akron, Ohio, were each sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

“Carfentanil, which is an elephant tranquilizer, crack cocaine and ecstasy are off the streets and so are the perpetrators, thanks to the great work of the Huntington Police Department,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “We’re taking back the streets of Huntington from out-of-state drug dealers -- one case at a time.”

Clay previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. On September 18, 2019, he fled from officers in his vehicle. Once he stopped his vehicle, officers found approximately 25 grams of crack cocaine and 1,000 ecstasy pills in his vehicle. He admitted he intended to sell the crack cocaine and the ecstasy pills. 

In an unrelated case, Davis previously admitted that while serving home confinement for a Cabell County sentence, he possessed approximately 40 grams of heroin and carfentanil in his residence. On January 29, 2018, officers searched his residence and located approximately 40 grams of heroin and carfentanil. Davis admitted that he intended to sell the heroin and carfentanil.

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigations. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecutions.

The Davis investigation was part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two Pennsylvania men pled guilty today for their participation in a drug trafficking operation in Mercer County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sezar Hamilton, 39, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone and Alonzo Wooden, 44, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and oxymorphone. Both men were charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation. 

“Drug traffickers are off the streets as a result of Operation X-Nation,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “My office will continue to prosecute individuals and organizations that push and peddle their poisons in West Virginia.”

Hamilton admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mercer County, West Virginia. During this time period Hamilton worked with other members of the DTO to acquire and distribute prescription pills in and around Mercer County, within the Southern District of West Virginia. More specifically, Hamilton admitted to selling hydromorphone pills to an individual he now knows was a confidential informant. Hamilton admitted that the informant would call another member of the DTO who would direct the informant to meet Hamilton or other members of the DTO at a specific location. That location was a trailer park in Princeton where the other member owned several trailers. When the informant arrived, Hamilton sold hydromorphone on at least two separate occasions. 

Wooden admitted to operating in the same manner. He admitted that between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, he participated in the same drug trafficking organization as Hamilton and others. During this same time period, Wooden admitted to selling drugs on at least four separate occasions. He also admitted that confidential informants would call another member of the DTO, who would direct the informants on where to go. Again, the informants would go to specified locations or trailers owned by the other member of the DTO and then Wooden, or another member, would distribute the controlled substances. Wooden further admitted that on one occasion he distributed cocaine, and on three separate occasions he distributed oxymorphone.

Both Hamilton and Wooden face up to 20 years in federal prison and $1 million fine, to be followed by at least three years of supervised release when they are sentenced on September 14, 2020 in Bluefield.

Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation. 

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

CHARLESTON W.Va. – Three men entered guilty pleas for federal immigration offenses, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Neftali Catalan-Garcia, 33, Jose Aleman-Pineda, 49, and Ezequiel De Dios-Delgado, 24, all pled guilty to the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien.  At the request of all three defendants, the court immediately proceeded to sentencing, where all men were sentenced and given credit for the time they had previously served. All three men were immediately remanded to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for that agency to begin administrative deportation proceedings.

“Four prior removals and a felony conviction between them,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to prosecute line skippers. No one likes a line skipper whether it’s at the border or Disney World. Those wanting to live in the United States must abide by our immigration laws and the process to enter our country legally.”

Neftali Catalan-Garcia was believed to be working in Nitro, West Virginia when ICE agents received information that he was in the country illegally. A targeted investigation located him on December 4, 2019. Catalan-Garcia admitted being in the United States illegally and that he had been previously removed from the United States to Guatemala. Catalan Garcia is a citizen of Guatemala. His fingerprints matched him to one prior removal and a prior felony conviction in United States District Court in Texas for the misuse of a social security number. Catalan-Garcia has been in federal custody for approximately seven months.

Jose Aleman-Pineda  and Ezequiel De Dios-Delgado were both found in South Charleston, West Virginia after a targeted investigation by ICE on January 30, 2020. Aleman-Pineda admitted being in the United States illegally and his fingerprints matched two prior removals from Texas. He is a citizen of Honduras and has been in federal custody since January 30, 2020. Delgado also admitted being in the United States illegally and has a prior from Arizona. He is a citizen of Mexico. Like Aleman-Pineda, Dios-Delgado has been in federal custody since January 30, 2020.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecutions.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – One defendant was sentenced to federal prison and another pled guilty today for their participation in a drug trafficking organization operating between California and Raleigh County, West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“Dove and Howell were arrested and charged as a result of Operation Shutdown Corner, a long-term investigation that dismantled a significant drug trafficking organization,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “I commend the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for their work in shutting down this multi-state methamphetamine pipeline.”

David Dove, 49, of Scarbro, was sentenced to 75 months in prison, to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Dove previously admitted that between June 2018 and September 17, 2019, he worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Raleigh County, West Virginia to distribute methamphetamine. Dove admitted that during this time period he supplied other members of the drug trafficking organization with distribution quantities of methamphetamine knowing that it was the plan and purpose that the other members would resell the methamphetamine illegally. Dove admitted to now knowing he was participating in recorded conversations regarding drug activity and to meeting with other members of the DTO to distribute and exchange controlled substances. Dove also admitted that when he was arrested, law enforcement officers found two “eight-balls” of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. Dove admitted that he was responsible for distributing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine during this time period.

Clifford Howell, 31, of Eastpointe, Michigan, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Howell faces a mandatory minimum period of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million when he is sentenced on September 18, 2020.  Howell admitted that between June 2018 and September 17, 2019, he worked with other members of the DTO to distribute heroin. During this time period, Howell admitted to traveling to Michigan to obtain heroin, then returning to the Southern District of West Virginia to supply other members of the DTO with the heroin. Howell admitted that during this time period he supplied other members of the DTO with more than 100 grams of heroin, knowing it was the plan and purpose of the other members to redistribute the drugs within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Operation Shutdown Corner was a joint investigative effort of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, the Beckley Police Department and the West Virginia State Police. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Andrew Tessman are handling the prosecutions.  United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearings.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man has pled guilty to a gun crime, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Dakota Santonia, 24, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Santonia admitted that on January 20, 2019, he knowingly possessed a stolen Smith and Wesson Model 60-7 .38 special revolver and ammunition in Charleston, when he knew he had been previously convicted of first degree robbery and therefore was not allowed to possess that firearm or ammunition.

Santonia faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on October 21, 2020.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Burger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani is handling the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

These case also was part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced to federal prison today as part of Operation Free Market, a long-term drug investigation in Huntington, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“Operation Free Market took out a significant fentanyl and heroin drug trafficking organization operating between Detroit and Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Our work is paying off. As we take more and more purveyors of these poisons off the streets, we are seeing reductions in opioid-related overdose deaths.”

George Lockhart, 44, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a federal drug conspiracy and a gun crime. He previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Lockhart previously admitted that between December 2018 and May 2019 he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Huntington, West Virginia. Lockhart admitted other individuals sold drugs for him at his direction. He also admitted to possessing a firearm during a search warrant in May 2019. He was prohibited by federal law to possess a firearm because he had been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in January 2011. 

Bryant Holloway, 41, was sentenced to five years in prison for selling fentanyl. He pled guilty on April 24, 2019 to selling 95 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $10,000.  The investigation was a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions.

Operation Free Market was a long-term drug investigation in the Huntington area. It was part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dayton, Ohio man pled guilty to drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Keenan Watson, 24, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“7 million people or more than 4 times the population of West Virginia. That’s how many people could have died had the fentanyl in this case hit the streets and that doesn’t include the massive amount of meth or the guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another out-of-state poison peddler that will be ‘hosted’ by a federal prison for potentially the rest of his life, Watson was caught with 209 grams of meth, 135 grams of fentanyl and two guns – a dangerous and deadly combination. Excellent work by the DEA and the Parkersburg Police Department. I will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute gun-toting drug dealers to keep West Virginia families safe.”

Watson admitted that on Aug. 27, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Watson was inside that residence and ran outside when the officers entered. He ran from the officers until they were able to catch up and arrest him. Officers removed two handguns from Watson and also recovered approximately 209 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 135 grams of what later proved to be fentanyl from a bag that he was carrying. Watson admitted that he possessed both guns to protect himself, the quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl that he possessed, and any proceeds from the sales of those drugs. 

Watson faces up to life in prison when sentenced on Oct. 21, 2020.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.

These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners noted above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.   

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man has pled guilty to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Londel Sanders, 26, pled guilty to selling heroin and methamphetamine.

“Operation SOS is an important priority for the Department of Justice and this is a great example of its results. Great work by the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department for getting this drug dealer off the streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Sanders admitted that he sold heroin to an informant in March and April 2019. He also admitted to selling methamphetamine to an informant in June 2019. He faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 8, 2020.

The Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is handling the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice program that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Julie M. Wheeler, a federal defendant that reportedly fell into the New River Gorge National River from the Grandview overlook on Sunday, May 31, 2020, was found hiding in a closet at her Beaver home yesterday. Both Wheeler and her husband, Rodney Wheeler, were arrested by the West Virginia State Police on several state charges in connection with faking a missing person’s report. Wheeler is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2020 for a federal health care fraud conviction, for which she faces up to 10 years in prison. She pled guilty to the charge in February 2020. As part of her plea agreement, Wheeler will also pay an amount of restitution ranging from $302,131 to $469,983, to be determined by the Court at sentencing.

Officers from several federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with rescue crews, began their extensive two day search for Wheeler after a 911 call was placed Sunday evening. The search and rescue efforts included a search by helicopter and a search on foot using a rope line to go down into the jagged, deep canyon of the New River Gorge. 

“It is hard to hide at home,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My team is in close communication with the Raleigh County Prosecutor and the West Virginia State Police. We are monitoring the developments in the Wheeler investigation. We are conducting a thorough federal investigation at this time. I have directed federal resources to ensure we bring every appropriate federal charge – against Ms. Wheeler and any other persons involved in this matter. I want to commend the excellent investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and all those involved in her search and rescue. West Virginia law enforcement professionals are real pros and they utilized critical resources and risked their lives to try to save or recover the defendant from what was falsely reported to be an awful tragedy. This is an ongoing investigation as it pertains to any federal criminal charges.”

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for selling heroin in Huntington, West Virginia, according to United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Paul Cunningham, 44, previously pled guilty to selling heroin and admitted that in 2016 he sold heroin to a confidential informant three times in Huntington.

“West Virginians have paid a heavy price from out of state drug dealers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Our record is one of being tough, effective, and taking on the poison peddlers. Our cities and towns and families are far safer today than they were a few short years ago.” 

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement regarding protests and riots in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

“The death of George Floyd is tragic. I pray for his family, the community of Minneapolis, and all those affected by his death.

This nation is grounded in the right to protest and in the rule of law. While peaceful protests are powerful, the violence, looting and property destruction occurring across our country are not acceptable forms of protest but, rather, criminal acts. This type of violence undermines the cause and defies the memory of George Floyd and those who protest peacefully. 

A few bad apples don’t ruin an orchard - 99.99% of police and law enforcement are noble public servants, and 99.99% of the protestors are noble concerned Americans who love their country and are deeply troubled by George Floyd’s death. The vast majority of police and the vast majority of protestors are law abiding caring people. I “Back the Blue” and I support the right of protest. Sadly, however, ANTIFA and anarchists that have a goal of civil unrest, violence and destruction are overwhelming the purpose of the protests.

Communities are fed up with the violence. Peaceful protestors are fed up with the violence. In West Virginia, protests must remain peaceful. If you pick up a brick to throw it at law enforcement officers or a business, if you burn a business or a car, if you cause violence, or if you target law enforcement, you will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

I am in constant contact with Bill Powell, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, and I am in regular communication with the Governor’s team, the head of the WV State Police, state and local law enforcement partners and elected leaders. 

I support the unified intent to protect the rights of peaceful protestors to exercise their fundamental right and to ensure the lawlessness occurring in other states does not occur here. I assure you that my office stands ready to take federal law enforcement action against violent criminal agitators and inciters who undermine the power of peaceful protests. We will act, and quickly, if violence occurs in West Virginia. The rule of law must be maintained. Public safety must be our priority.”  

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced today for sex offenses involving minors, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Arun Dhavamani, 41, of Camp Creek, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in sexual activity. Jeffrey William Sexton, Jr., of Virginia Beach, Virginia., was sentenced to 63 months in prison. Both men will served a term of 15 years on supervised release following their release from prison.

“The children of this district have no better champion than my office. I will seek maximum penalties for those who prey on West Virginia’s most vulnerable,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said.

Dhavamani was convicted by a jury in November 2019. During trial, the evidence demonstrated that on June 1, 2019, Dhavamani engaged in conversations with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Dhavamani initially communicated with the person via a cell phone social messaging and dating application and later via text messages. After discussing having sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old, Dhavamani traveled from near Ghent to Bluefield, Virginia, to meet the purported minor in order to engage in sexual intercourse.

Sexton was convicted by a jury in January 2020. At trial, evidence revealed that Sexton began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl on a social messaging and dating application on approximately May 28, 2019. During the conversations, Sexton brought up the topic of oral sex with the purported minor. At approximately 1 a.m. on June 1, 2019, Sexton traveled from Bluefield, Virginia, to Bluefield, West Virginia, to meet the alleged 13-year-old after telling her to sneak out of her house. On May 31, 2019, Sexton had also reached out to chat with two other law enforcement officers posing as minors on the same messaging application, discussing oral sex with one officer who stated she was only 14 years old.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, in conjunction with the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, conducted the investigations. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecutions.

These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
 

###

Pharmacy Shut Down and Ordered to Pay $250,000 in Community Restitution and Forfeiture

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Meds2Go Express Pharmacy, Inc. (Meds2Go), a pharmacy located in Alum Creek in Lincoln County, was sentenced for money laundering, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The money laundering conviction arose out of a conspiracy between the pharmacy and Hope Clinic, a pain clinic operating as a pill mill, to dispense compound opioids for no legitimate medical purpose and outside the bounds of professional medical practice. As part of the plea agreement in December 2019, Meds2Go was shut down and has now been ordered to pay $250,000 toward community restitution and forfeiture.  The community restitution will be paid for the costs associated with drug abuse treatment in West Virginia to redress the harm caused by illicit opioid usage stemming from the sale of prescription opioids.  The West Virginia Crime Victim's Compensation Fund will receive 65% of the community restitution amount, and 35% will be paid to West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities.

“Meds2Go betrayed the trust of the communities it served and our citizens. The pharmacy put profits above safety and aided the growth of the opioid crisis in West Virginia,” United States Attorney Mike Stuart said. “We have taken on the opiate crisis and we are making tremendous progress. We will continue to hold those that place greed above their solemn obligation to serve the best health of our citizens.”

Meds2Go previously admitted that in 2014 and 2015 it filled prescriptions written by physicians employed by Hope Clinic, despite its knowledge that there was no legitimate medical purpose for the prescriptions and that they were prescribed outside the usual course of medical practice. In order to maximize corporate profits, the pharmacy ignored numerous red flags that should have prevented them from dispensing the prescription medications written by Hope Clinic, such as: (1) an abnormally high amount of prescriptions for widely-abused, highly-addictive controlled substances such as oxycodone; (2) prescribed controlled substances to patients for long periods of time; (3) permitted refills before prior prescriptions should have run out; (4) ignored obvious signs that patients were drug addicts; (5) patients travelled long distances and from out of state; (6) multiple Hope Clinic physicians issued prescriptions to the same patient; (7) numerous family members who were all patients of Hope Clinic, came to the pharmacy at the same time; (8) insurance companies refused to pay for prescriptions from Hope Clinic; and (9) cash-only transactions.

Meds2Go further admitted that it engaged in illegal manufacturing of its own supply of oxycodone and methadone due to supply and demand by compounding pills in mass quantities at its locations in Alum Creek and Charleston. Due to the excessive amount of prescriptions for controlled substances written by Hope Clinic, the pharmacy could not obtain enough of a supply of oxycodone and methadone from its distributors. In order to keep up with the demand, the pharmacy bypassed purchase restrictions from the distributor by setting up and purchasing compounding equipment, training its employees to compound pills on a mass scale, purchasing powders and other raw materials, and manufacturing pills containing oxycodone and methadone. The compounded pills were then sold to cash-paying customers who had prescriptions written by Hope Clinic. The pharmacy used the proceeds from the illegal manufacturing and dispensing to carry on the operations of business.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (OIG). Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Tessman and Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.

Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart

###